Tama Lakes Track to Lower Tama Lake Viewpoint
A long alpine day hike past Taranaki Falls to broad views over Lower Tama Lake between Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.
Route overview
Follow Taranaki Falls Track, continue across Tama Saddle to the official Lower Tama viewpoint and return.
From Whakapapa the route joins Taranaki Falls Track and continues across undulating tussock and herb fields to a flat clearing on Tama Saddle. The official track ends at the Lower Tama viewpoint. There are no formed routes down to either lake, and entering or touching the water is prohibited.
Trail facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Tongariro National Park, Central North Island
- Distance
- 17.6 km return
- Typical duration
- 5–6 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Undulating alpine profile; exact cumulative gain not published by DOC
- Best season
- Late spring through autumn; winter only after alpine condition assessment
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Fast weather changes, strong wind, rain, cold, poor visibility and temptation to descend unstable gullies
Highlights
Taranaki Falls, Lower Tama Lake, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, alpine tussock
Why find a buddy
The distance and exposed return make matched pace, weather monitoring and shared turnaround discipline important.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.